Principal's Update - 2nd December

3rd December - Going Up Day

Tomorrow, students will participate in "Going Up Day," an exciting opportunity to meet their 2025 classmates and teachers. This is a key part of helping students feel comfortable and confident as they prepare for the year ahead.

We wanted to let you know that due to some late staffing appointments at other schools, there may be changes to our current planned teacher allocations for next year. While we always aim to minimise disruption, these changes are part of ensuring the best possible team for all students.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to a positive and successful transition day for all students.

5th December - Christmas at St Columba’s

Please note the following arrangements for pick-up and the market stalls this Thursday:

• Early Pick-Up (2:50–3:00pm):
  Parents who wish to collect their child early may do so via the Howard Street gate, which will open early. After collecting your child from their classroom, you are welcome to begin attending the market stalls.
• Students Remaining Until 3:15pm:
  Students not collected early will stay inside with their supervising teacher until the usual dismissal time of 3:15pm, after which they will head to their designated gate for collection.
• Supervised Gates (3:15–3:30pm):
  All remaining gates will open at 3:15pm and will be supervised. Any students not collected by 3:30pm will be taken to the office and parents called, as per the usual routine.
• Market Closing Time:
  The market will finish at 5:30pm.
• Please note, classrooms will be locked during our Christmas evening to ensure safety for all.

Please be advised that during the market evening, students will remain under the supervision of their parents or carers. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children throughout the evening.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us manage this event smoothly.

6th December - International Day of Disability Acknowledgement

We warmly invite families to join us on Friday, 6th December, as we come together to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

Morning Coffee: Start your day with a coffee from 8:15 am and enjoy a relaxed chat.

Explore Resources: Gather in the hall to browse a range of resources designed to support individuals and families in our community.

Parent & Caregiver Presentation: At 9:00 am, a presentation will provide valuable insights and highlight ways we can all contribute to an inclusive world.

Student Participation: From 10:00 am to 10:30 am, Students will view a presentation about inclusion, view a video demystifying what Allied Health Therapists do in our school and hear a beautiful picture storybook read about disability. Students will head off to recess and then return to their classrooms to participate in meaningful activities throughout the day..

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with our families as we celebrate the strengths and abilities of all. 

Staffing Announcement

We would like to share the news that Anna Stott has been offered an exciting position at Grammar for next year. This is a wonderful opportunity for Anna and her family, and we are thrilled for her as she takes this next step in her career.

Anna has been an integral part of our school community, and her dedication and contributions have made a lasting impact on our students and staff. While we will miss her, we wish her all the very best for her future endeavours. Grammar spoke incredibly highly of the knowledge and understanding of learning that is clearly taking place at St Columba’s, and whilst it is sad to see Anna leaving, it is a positive reflection on the school that our staff are so highly sought after.

We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates this week for her replacement and will update you once an appointment has been made.

Important Dates - 2024

Important Dates - 2025